U.S. patent application number 17/592020 was filed with the patent office on 2022-08-11 for verification apparatus, control method thereof, printing system, and storage medium.
The applicant listed for this patent is CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Nobuhiko TANAKA.
Application Number | 20220253260 17/592020 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006179034 |
Filed Date | 2022-08-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220253260 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TANAKA; Nobuhiko |
August 11, 2022 |
VERIFICATION APPARATUS, CONTROL METHOD THEREOF, PRINTING SYSTEM,
AND STORAGE MEDIUM
Abstract
A verification apparatus includes reads an image on a sheet
conveyed using a plurality of imaging units configured to
respectively perform reading in read regions different from each
other in a predetermined direction orthogonal to a conveyance
direction of the sheet, the read regions respectively corresponding
to adjacent imaging units partially overlapping with each other.
The apparatus performs processing of changing a size, in the
predetermined direction, of a larger one of a read image obtained
by reading the image on the sheet by each of the plurality of
imaging units, and a corresponding reference image, in accordance
with a size of a smaller one, and performs verification by
comparing the read image corresponding to each of the plurality of
imaging units with the corresponding reference image, after the
processing has been completed.
Inventors: |
TANAKA; Nobuhiko; (Tokyo,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006179034 |
Appl. No.: |
17/592020 |
Filed: |
February 3, 2022 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/1276 20130101;
G06F 3/1257 20130101; G06F 3/1208 20130101; G06F 3/1265 20130101;
G06F 3/1242 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/12 20060101
G06F003/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 8, 2021 |
JP |
2021-018516 |
Claims
1. A verification apparatus configured to perform verification on
an image printed on a sheet, the verification apparatus comprising:
a reading unit including a plurality of imaging units configured to
respectively perform reading in read regions different from each
other in a predetermined direction orthogonal to a conveyance
direction of a sheet, the reading unit being configured to use the
plurality of imaging units to read the image on the sheet conveyed,
the read regions respectively corresponding to adjacent imaging
units partially overlapping with each other; a change unit
configured to perform processing of changing a size, in the
predetermined direction, of a larger one of a read image obtained
by reading the image on the sheet by each of the plurality of
imaging units, and a corresponding reference image, in accordance
with a size of a smaller one; and a verification unit configured to
perform verification by comparing the read image corresponding to
each of the plurality of imaging units with the corresponding
reference image, after the processing by the change unit has been
completed.
2. The verification apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
plurality of imaging units are arranged such that a size, in the
predetermined direction, of an overlap region where the
corresponding read regions overlap, is equal to or larger than a
maximum misalignment width in the predetermined direction in a case
where conveyance misalignment of the sheet conveyed on a conveyance
path occurs.
3. The verification apparatus according to claim 1 further
comprising a storage unit configured to store images with regions
of each image partially overlapping with each other, as reference
images corresponding to the adjacent imaging units.
4. The verification apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the
change unit is configured to: compare the size, in the
predetermined direction, of the read image obtained by reading the
image on the sheet by each of the plurality of imaging units with
the size, in the predetermined direction, of the corresponding
reference image; change the size, in the predetermined direction,
of the read image to the equal size of the reference image when the
size, in the predetermined direction, of the read image is larger
than the size, in the predetermined direction, of the reference
image; and change the size, in the predetermined direction, of the
reference image to the equal size of the read image when the size,
in the predetermined direction, of the reference image is larger
than the size, in the predetermined direction, of the read
image.
5. The verification apparatus according to claim 1 further
comprising a storage unit configured to store images with regions
of each image not overlapping with each other, as reference images
corresponding to the adjacent imaging units.
6. The verification apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the
change unit is configured to change the size, in the predetermined
direction, of the read image obtained by reading the image on the
sheet by each of the plurality of imaging units to the equal size,
in the predetermined direction, of the corresponding reference
image.
7. The verification apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the
plurality of imaging units include a first imaging unit and a
second imaging unit adjacent to each other, and read regions
respectively corresponding to the first imaging unit and the second
imaging unit partially overlap with each other in an overlap
region, the overlap region is split, in the predetermined
direction, into a first region corresponding to the first imaging
unit and a second region corresponding to the second imaging unit,
and a boundary line between the first region and the second region
is set to be at a position, in the predetermined direction, with
which a size of the first region is equal to or larger than a
maximum value of conveyance misalignment of the sheet toward the
side of the first imaging unit and a size of the second region is
equal to or larger than a maximum value of conveyance misalignment
of the sheet toward the side of the second imaging unit, the
reference image corresponding to the first imaging unit includes a
region corresponding to the first region, and the reference image
corresponding to the second imaging unit includes a region
corresponding to the second region.
8. The verification apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the
maximum misalignment width is determined based on relative
positional relationship between the plurality of imaging units and
the conveyance path, and a size, in the predetermined direction, of
the sheet conveyed.
9. The verification apparatus according to claim 1 further
comprising a registration unit configured to register reference
images respectively corresponding to the plurality of imaging
units, based on an image read and obtained by the reading unit.
10. The verification apparatus according to claim 1 further
comprising a registration unit configured to register reference
images respectively corresponding to the plurality of imaging
units, based on print data used for printing the image on the sheet
conveyed.
11. The verification apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
verification unit is configured to determine whether the read
images respectively corresponding to the plurality of imaging units
are normal, determine the image printed on the sheet is normal in a
case where all of the read images are normal, and determine that
the image printed on the sheet is abnormal in a case where any of
the read images is abnormal.
12. The verification apparatus according to claim 1 further
comprising a control unit configured to perform discharge control
to discharge, to respective different discharge destinations, a
sheet determined to be normal and a sheet determined to be abnormal
as a result of the verification by the verification unit.
13. A verification apparatus configured to perform verification on
an image printed on a sheet, the verification apparatus comprising:
a reading unit including a plurality of imaging units configured to
respectively perform reading in read regions different from each
other in a predetermined direction orthogonal to a conveyance
direction of a sheet, the reading unit being configured to use the
plurality of imaging units to read the image on the sheet conveyed,
the read regions respectively corresponding to adjacent imaging
units partially overlapping with each other; an identification unit
configured to identify a size of one of a read image obtained by
reading the image on the sheet by each of the plurality of imaging
units, and a corresponding reference image, having a smaller size
in the predetermined direction; and a verification unit configured
to compare the read image corresponding to each of the plurality of
imaging units and the corresponding reference image, about a region
of the size identified by the identification unit in the
predetermined direction, to verify the read image.
14. A printing system comprising: a printing apparatus configured
to print an image on a sheet; and the verification apparatus
according to claim 1 to which the sheet having the image printed by
the printing apparatus is conveyed through a conveyance path, the
verification apparatus being configured to perform verification of
the conveyed sheet.
15. A method of controlling a verification apparatus configured to
perform verification on an image printed on a sheet, the method
comprising: using a plurality of imaging units to read an image on
a sheet conveyed, the plurality of imaging units being configured
to respectively perform reading in read regions different from each
other in a predetermined direction orthogonal to a conveyance
direction of the sheet, the read regions respectively corresponding
to adjacent imaging units partially overlapping with each other;
performing processing of changing a size, in the predetermined
direction, of a larger one of a read image obtained by reading the
image on the sheet by each of the plurality of imaging units, and a
corresponding reference image, in accordance with a size of a
smaller one; and performing verification by comparing the read
image corresponding to each of the plurality of imaging units with
the corresponding reference image, after the processing been
completed.
16. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a
computer program for causing a computer to execute a method of
controlling a verification apparatus configured to perform
verification on an image printed on a sheet, the method comprising:
using a plurality of imaging units to read an image on a sheet
conveyed, the plurality of imaging units being configured to
respectively perform reading in read regions different from each
other in a predetermined direction orthogonal to a conveyance
direction of the sheet, the read regions respectively corresponding
to adjacent imaging units partially overlapping with each other;
performing processing of changing a size, in the predetermined
direction, of a larger one of a read image obtained by reading the
image on the sheet by each of the plurality of imaging units, and a
corresponding reference image, in accordance with a size of a
smaller one; and performing verification by comparing the read
image corresponding to each of the plurality of imaging units with
the corresponding reference image, after the processing been
completed.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a verification apparatus
configured to perform verification on a sheet on which an image is
printed, a control method thereof, a printing system, and a storage
medium
Description of the Related Art
[0002] Printing systems have been known with which a printed sheet,
having an image printed thereon using a printing apparatus and
being conveyed, can be verified using a verification apparatus. The
verification apparatus reads the image on the printed sheet being
conveyed, and analyzes the read image thus obtained, to determine
whether the printed sheet is normal. Such verification enables
detection of a printed sheet with abnormality such as defective
barcode or ruled line, missing image, printing failure, missing
page, or color shift for example.
[0003] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2010-42521 discloses an image
forming apparatus that, upon determining that an image printed on a
sheet is a defective image, performs processing of discharging the
sheet to a discharge destination that is different from that for a
sheet on which a normal image is printed. Through such processing,
the sheet on which the defective image is printed can be prevented
from mixing in the output products.
[0004] For the sake of cost reduction of the apparatus, an imaging
unit (reading unit) that reads an image printed on a sheet being
conveyed may be formed as a combination of a plurality of reading
devices (cameras for example) that can read respective regions with
a width smaller than that of a sheet of the largest size
conveyable. When the verification apparatus uses such a plurality
of reading devices to read an image on a sheet, conveyance
misalignment of the sheet being conveyed leads to a change in
regions on the sheet readable by the respective reading devices. As
a result, the sizes of the read images corresponding to sheet
portions obtained by the respective reading devices fail to match
the size of a reference image for the verification. Thus, the sheet
verification fails.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In view of the above, the present invention enables the
verification on a sheet that is a verification target of a
verification apparatus including a plurality of imaging units, even
when conveyance misalignment of the sheet occurs.
[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a verification apparatus configured to perform
verification on an image printed on a sheet, the verification
apparatus comprising: a reading unit including a plurality of
imaging units configured to respectively perform reading in read
regions different from each other in a predetermined direction
orthogonal to a conveyance direction of a sheet, the reading unit
being configured to use the plurality of imaging units to read the
image on the sheet conveyed, the read regions respectively
corresponding to adjacent imaging units partially overlapping with
each other; a change unit configured to perform processing of
changing a size, in the predetermined direction, of a larger one of
a read image obtained by reading the image on the sheet by each of
the plurality of imaging units, and a corresponding reference
image, in accordance with a size of a smaller one; and a
verification unit configured to perform verification by comparing
the read image corresponding to each of the plurality of imaging
units with the corresponding reference image, after the processing
by the change unit has been completed.
[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a verification apparatus configured to perform
verification on an image printed on a sheet, the verification
apparatus comprising: a reading unit including a plurality of
imaging units configured to respectively perform reading in read
regions different from each other in a predetermined direction
orthogonal to a conveyance direction of a sheet, the reading unit
being configured to use the plurality of imaging units to read the
image on the sheet conveyed, the read regions respectively
corresponding to adjacent imaging units partially overlapping with
each other; an identification unit configured to identify a size of
one of a read image obtained by reading the image on the sheet by
each of the plurality of imaging units, and a corresponding
reference image, having a smaller size in the predetermined
direction; and a verification unit configured to compare the read
image corresponding to each of the plurality of imaging units and
the corresponding reference image, about a region of the size
identified by the identification unit in the predetermined
direction, to verify the read image.
[0008] According to still another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method of controlling a verification apparatus
configured to perform verification on an image printed on a sheet,
the method comprising: using a plurality of imaging units to read
an image on a sheet conveyed, the plurality of imaging units being
configured to respectively perform reading in read regions
different from each other in a predetermined direction orthogonal
to a conveyance direction of the sheet, the read regions
respectively corresponding to adjacent imaging units partially
overlapping with each other; performing processing of changing a
size, in the predetermined direction, of a larger one of a read
image obtained by reading the image on the sheet by each of the
plurality of imaging units, and a corresponding reference image, in
accordance with a size of a smaller one; and performing
verification by comparing the read image corresponding to each of
the plurality of imaging units with the corresponding reference
image, after the processing been completed.
[0009] According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium
storing a computer program for causing a computer to execute a
method of controlling a verification apparatus configured to
perform verification on an image printed on a sheet, the method
comprising: using a plurality of imaging units to read an image on
a sheet conveyed, the plurality of imaging units being configured
to respectively perform reading in read regions different from each
other in a predetermined direction orthogonal to a conveyance
direction of the sheet, the read regions respectively corresponding
to adjacent imaging units partially overlapping with each other;
performing processing of changing a size, in the predetermined
direction, of a larger one of a read image obtained by reading the
image on the sheet by each of the plurality of imaging units, and a
corresponding reference image, in accordance with a size of a
smaller one; and performing verification by comparing the read
image corresponding to each of the plurality of imaging units with
the corresponding reference image, after the processing been
completed.
[0010] Further features of the present invention will become
apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments
(with reference to the attached drawings).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a
configuration of a network including a printing system.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware
configuration example of the printing system.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a hardware
configuration example of the printing system.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of read images
and corresponding reference images.
[0015] FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating an example of a selection
screen for a reference image of a verification apparatus.
[0016] FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating an example of a
registration screen for a reference image of a verification
apparatus.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a conveyance
state of a sheet conveyed in the verification apparatus.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of verification
processing on a sheet conveyed in the verification apparatus.
[0019] FIG. 8A is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of
verification processing by the verification apparatus.
[0020] FIG. 8B is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of
verification processing by the verification apparatus.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of read images
and corresponding reference images (second embodiment).
[0022] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of
verification processing by the verification apparatus (second
embodiment).
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with
reference to the attached drawings. Note, the following embodiments
are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention.
Multiple features are described in the embodiments, but limitation
is not made to an invention that requires all such features, and
multiple such features may be combined as appropriate. Furthermore,
in the attached drawings, the same reference numerals are given to
the same or similar configurations, and redundant description
thereof is omitted.
First Embodiment
[0024] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a
configuration of a network including a printing system according to
a first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a printing system 101
is connected with an external controller 102. The printing system
101 and the external controller 102 form an image processing
system. The printing system 101 may be referred to as, for example,
an image forming apparatus, a composite machine, or a
multi-function peripheral (MFP). The printing system 101 and the
external controller 102 are communicatively connected via an
internal LAN 105 and a video cable 106. The external controller 102
is communicatively connected to a client PC 103 via an external LAN
104. The external controller 102 may be referred to as, for
example, an image processing controller, digital front end (DFE),
or a print server.
[0025] The client PC 103 can issue a print instruction to the
external controller 102 via the external LAN 104. The client PC 103
has a printer driver installed therein. The printer driver has a
function of converting print data into data in a print description
language that is processable by the external controller 102. By
operating the client PC 103, a user can issue a print instruction
to the printing system 101 via the printer driver from various
applications installed in the PC. The printer driver transmits
print data to the external controller 102 based on the print
instruction from the user. Upon receiving the print data from the
client PC 103, the external controller 102 performs data analysis
and rasterizing processing on the received print data, and issues
the print instruction by inputting the processed print data to the
printing system 101.
[0026] The printing system 101 includes a plurality of apparatuses
having different functions, and is configured to be capable of
executing various types of processing such as bookbinding
processing. In the present embodiment, the printing system 101
includes a printing apparatus 107, an inserter 108, a verification
apparatus 109, a large-capacity stacker 110, and a finisher 111. A
sheet (paper) that has had an image printed thereon by the printing
apparatus 107 and has been discharged from the printing apparatus
107 is conveyed in the apparatuses, that is, in the inserter 108,
the verification apparatus 109, the large-capacity stacker 110, and
the finisher 111 in this order. In the present embodiment, the
printing system 101 is an example of an image forming apparatus,
but the printing apparatus 107 included in the printing system 101
may be referred to as the image forming apparatus.
[0027] The printing apparatus 107 forms (prints) an image, using
toner (developer), on the sheet fed and conveyed from a feeding
unit disposed in a lower portion of the printing apparatus 107. The
inserter 108 is an apparatus for inserting an insertion sheet into
a series of sheet set conveyed from the printing apparatus 107. The
verification apparatus 109 is an apparatus for verifying an image
printed on a sheet. In the printing system 101, the verification
apparatus 109, to which the sheet having the image printed thereon
by the printing apparatus 107 is conveyed through a conveyance
path, verifies the image printed on the sheet. More specifically,
the verification apparatus 109 reads the image printed on the
conveyed sheet, and compares the read image thus obtained with a
reference image registered in advance to verify the image printed
on the sheet (determine whether the image is normal). The
large-capacity stacker 110 is an apparatus on which a large number
of sheets can be stacked. The finisher 111 is an apparatus that can
execute finishing processing, such as stapling processing, punching
processing, or saddle stitch bookbinding processing, on the
conveyed sheet. The sheet processed by the finisher 111 is
discharged to a predetermined sheet discharge tray.
[0028] In the example configuration in FIG. 1, the external
controller 102 is connected to the printing system 101, but the
present embodiment can also be applied to a configuration different
from this. For example, a configuration may be employed in which
the printing system 101 is connected to the external LAN 104, so
that the print data is transmitted from the client PC 103 to the
printing system 101 without passing through the external controller
102. In this case, the printing system 101 executes data analysis
and rasterizing on the print data.
[0029] <Printing System>
[0030] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware
configuration example of the printing system 101, the external
controller 102, and the client PC 103. A configuration example of
the printing system 101 will be described with reference to FIG.
2.
[0031] The printing apparatus 107 of the printing system 101
includes a communication interface (I/F) 217, a LAN I/F 218, a
video I/F 220, an HDD 221, a CPU 222, a memory 223, an operation
unit 224, and a display 225. The printing apparatus 107 further
includes a document exposure unit 226, a laser exposure unit 227,
an image forming unit 228, a fixing unit 229, and a feeding unit
230. These devices are connected to each other via a system bus
231.
[0032] The communication I/F 217 is connected to the inserter 108,
the verification apparatus 109, the large-capacity stacker 110, and
the finisher 111 via a communication cable 260. The CPU 222
performs communication via the communication I/F 217 for
controlling each of the apparatuses. The LAN I/F 218 is connected
to the external controller 102 via the internal LAN 105 and is used
for communicating control data and the like. The video I/F 220 is
connected to the external controller 102 via video cable 106 and is
used for communicating data such as image data. The printing
apparatus 107 (printing system 101) and the external controller 102
may be connected via the video cable 106 only, as long as the
external controller 102 can control the operations of the printing
system 101.
[0033] The HDD 221 stores various programs or data. The CPU 222
executes the program stored in HDD 221 to control the operations of
the printing apparatus 107 as a whole. The memory 223 stores
programs and data required for the CPU 222 to perform various types
of processing. The memory 223 operates as a work area for the CPU
222. The operation unit 224 accepts input of various settings and
an instruction for an operation from the user. The display 225 is
used for displaying various types of information, such as setting
information and processing status of print job.
[0034] The document exposure unit 226 reads the document when a
copy function or a scanning function is used. The document is read
such that a sheet is set by the user, and illuminated by an
exposure lamp and then an image is captured by a CCD camera. In the
print processing (image forming processing), the laser exposure
unit 227 charges a photosensitive drum and exposes the
photosensitive drum with a laser beam modulated depending on the
image data, to form an electrostatic latent image on the
photosensitive drum. The image forming unit 228 includes a
developing unit that develops the electrostatic latent image formed
on the photosensitive drum to form a toner image, a primary
transfer unit that transfers the toner image from the
photosensitive drum to an intermediate transfer belt, and a
secondary transfer unit that transfers the toner image from the
intermediate transfer belt to the sheet. The fixing unit 229 fixes
the toner image on the sheet by applying heat and pressure to the
toner image transferred to the sheet. The feeding unit 230 feeds a
sheet that is a target of the image forming by the image forming
unit 228, from a sheet deck (sheet cassette) to a conveyance path.
The sheet feeding and conveyance operations are controlled using
various rollers or sensors.
[0035] The inserter 108 includes a communication I/F 232, a CPU
233, a memory 234, and a sheet feed control unit 235. These devices
are connected to each other via a system bus 236. The communication
I/F 232 is connected to the printing apparatus 107 via the
communication cable 260. The CPU 233 performs communications
required for controlling the inserter 108, via the communication OF
232. The CPU 233 controls the operation of the inserter 108 by
executing a control program stored in the memory 234. The memory
234 stores the control program for the inserter 108. The sheet feed
control unit 235 controls the various rollers and sensors in
accordance with an instruction from the CPU 233, to control the
feeding of the insertion sheet from the feeding unit of the
inserter 108 and the conveyance of the sheet conveyed from the
printing apparatus 107.
[0036] The verification apparatus 109 includes a communication I/F
237, a CPU 238, a memory 239, a display unit 241, and an operation
unit 242. The verification apparatus 109 further includes, as a
plurality of imaging units (reading units), imaging units 240a and
240b. These devices are connected to each other via a system bus
243. The communication I/F 237 is connected to the printing
apparatus 107 via the communication cable 260. The CPU 238 performs
communications required for controlling the verification apparatus
109 via the communication OF 237. The CPU 238 controls the
operation of the verification apparatus 109 by executing a control
program stored in the memory 239. The memory 239 stores the control
program for the verification apparatus 109. The display unit 241 is
used for displaying a verification result, a setting screen, and
the like. The operation unit 242 is operated by the user and
receives various instructions from the user (such as, for example,
a change in settings of the verification apparatus 109 and an
instruction for registering a reference image).
[0037] In accordance with an instruction from the CPU 238, the
imaging units 240a and 240b capture an image of the sheet conveyed
(to an image capturing position of the imaging units) to read the
image printed on the sheet. The CPU 238 performs reference image
registration processing by performing processing of storing
(registering) the image, captured by the imaging units 240a and
240b, in the memory 239 as a reference image. In the reference
image registration processing, an image obtained by processing of
superimposing or averaging a plurality of read images for each page
of a printed sheet, may be registered as the reference image. Thus,
variation components, included in the printed sheet, smaller
(minor) than variation components corresponding to the verification
precision can be reduced. In addition, the CPU 238 performs printed
sheet verification processing by comparing the image captured by
the imaging units 240a and 240b with the reference image stored in
the memory 239, and verifying the image printed on the sheet based
on a result of the comparison. In the verification processing,
whether the image printed on the sheet is normal (whether the image
has a defect) is determined.
[0038] The verification apparatus 109 reads the image on the sheet
conveyed, by capturing the image of the sheet conveyed using the
plurality of imaging units (the imaging units 240a and 240b). The
plurality of imaging units are arranged to respectively perform
reading on different read regions in a predetermined direction
(width direction) orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the
sheet, and thus are arranged to respectively capture images of
different regions on the sheet conveyed. Furthermore, the plurality
of imaging units are arranged in such a manner that the read
regions corresponding adjacent imaging units (the imaging units
240a and 240b) partially overlap with each other as described
later. While an example where the verification apparatus 109
includes the two imaging units 240a and 240b is described in the
present embodiment, the verification apparatus 109 may include
three or more imaging units.
[0039] Specifically, the imaging units 240a and 240b of the
verification apparatus 109 of the present embodiment capture images
of respective regions, on the sheet conveyed, on one edge side and
the other edge side in the width direction orthogonal to the
conveyance direction of the sheet. As an example, in the following
description, the imaging unit 240a is arranged to capture an image
of a region on the left side relative to the conveyance direction
of the sheet, and the imaging unit 240b is arranged to capture an
image of a region on the right side relative to the conveyance
direction of the sheet.
[0040] The large-capacity stacker 110 includes a communication I/F
244, a CPU 245, a memory 246, and a sheet discharge control unit
247. These devices are connected to each other via a system bus
248. The communication I/F 244 is connected to the printing
apparatus 107 via the communication cable 260. The CPU 245 performs
communications required for controlling the large-capacity stacker
110 via the communication I/F 244. The CPU 245 controls the
operation of the large-capacity stacker 110 by executing a control
program stored in the memory 246. The memory 246 stores the control
program for the large-capacity stacker 110. In accordance with an
instruction from the CPU 245, the sheet discharge control unit 247
performs control to discharge the sheet, conveyed on the conveyance
path, to a stack tray, discharge the sheet to an escape tray, or
convey the sheet to the finisher 111 connected on the downstream
side in the conveyance direction of the sheet.
[0041] The finisher 111 includes a communication I/F 249, a CPU
250, a memory 251, a sheet discharge control unit 252, and a
finishing processing unit 253. These devices are connected to each
other via a system bus 254. The communication I/F 249 is connected
to the printing apparatus 107 via the communication cable 260. The
CPU 250 performs communications required for controlling the
finisher 111 via the communication I/F 249. The CPU 250 controls
the operation of the finisher 111 by executing a control program
stored in the memory 251. The memory 251 stores the control program
for the finisher 111. The sheet discharge control unit 252 controls
the conveyance and the discharging of the sheet, in accordance with
an instruction from the CPU 250. The finishing processing unit 253
performs finishing processing such as stapling, punching, or saddle
stitch bookbinding, in accordance with an instruction from the CPU
250.
[0042] <External Controller>
[0043] The external controller 102 includes a CPU 208, a memory
209, an HDD 210, a keyboard 211, a display 212, LAN I/Fs 213 and
214, and a video I/F 215. These devices are connected to each other
via a system bus 216. The CPU 208 executes a program stored in the
HDD 210 to control the operation of the external controller 102 as
a whole (for example, reception of print data from the client PC
103, RIP processing, and transmission of print data to the printing
system 101). The memory 209 stores programs and data required for
the CPU 208 to perform various types of processing. The memory 209
operates as a work area for the CPU 208.
[0044] The HDD 210 stores various programs and data. The keyboard
211 is used for input of an operation instruction to the external
controller 102 from the user. The display 212 is used, for example,
for displaying information about the application being executed in
the external controller 102 and an operation screen. The LAN I/F
213 is connected to the client PC 103 via the external LAN 104, and
is used for communicating data such as a print instruction. The LAN
I/F 214 is connected to the printing system 101 via the internal
LAN 105, and is used for communicating data such as a print
instruction. The external controller 102 is configured to be
capable of communicating with the printing apparatus 107, the
inserter 108, the verification apparatus 109, the large-capacity
stacker 110, and the finisher 111 via the internal LAN 105 and the
communication cable 260. The video I/F 215 is connected to the
printing system 101 via the video cable 106 and is used for
communicating data such as image data (print data).
[0045] <Client PC>
[0046] The client PC 103 includes a CPU 201, a memory 202, an HDD
203, a keyboard 204, a display 205, and a LAN I/F 206. These
devices are connected to each other via a system bus 207. The CPU
201 executes a program stored in the HDD 203 to control operations
of the devices via the system bus 207. Thus, various types of
processing by the client PC 103 are implemented. For example, the
CPU 201 executes a document processing program stored in the HDD
203 to generate print data and issue a print instruction. The
memory 202 stores programs and data required for the CPU 201 to
perform various types of processing. The memory 202 operates as a
work area for the CPU 201.
[0047] The HDD 203 stores various applications (the document
processing program for example), a program such as a printer
driver, and various types of data. The keyboard 204 is used for
input of an operation instruction to the client PC 103 from the
user. The display 205 is used, for example, for displaying
information about the application being executed in the client PC
103 and an operation screen. The LAN I/F 206 is communicatively
connected to the external controller 102 via the external LAN 104.
The CPU 201 communicates with the external controller 102 via the
LAN I/F 206.
[0048] The memories 202, 209, 223, 234, 239, 246, and 251 are each
formed by a storage apparatus that can store data and a program.
For example, these memories may each be formed by a storage
apparatus such as a volatile RAM, non-volatile ROM, an internal or
external HDD, an internal or external SSD, or a USB memory.
[0049] <Example of Operation of Printing System>
[0050] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a hardware
configuration example of the printing system 101. A specific
example of the operation of the printing system 101 will be
described below with reference to FIG. 3.
[0051] In the printing apparatus 107, various sheets are stored in
sheet decks 301 and 302. The sheets stored in each sheet deck are
separated one by one from the uppermost position, to be fed to a
conveyance path 303. Image forming stations 304 to 307, each
including a photosensitive drum (photoreceptor), form toner images
on the photosensitive drums using toner of different colors.
Specifically, the image forming stations 304 to 307 form toner
images using toner of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black
(K), respectively.
[0052] The toner images of the respective colors formed by the
image forming stations 304 to 307 are sequentially superimposed,
and transferred to an intermediate transfer belt 308 (primary
transfer). The toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer
belt 308 is conveyed to a secondary transfer position 309, by the
rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 308. At the secondary
transfer position 309, the toner image is transferred from the
intermediate transfer belt 308 to the sheet conveyed on the
conveyance path 303 (secondary transfer). The sheet after the
secondary transfer is conveyed to a fix unit 311. The fix unit 311
includes a pressurizing roller and a heating roller. Fixing
processing of fixing the toner image on the sheet is performed,
with heat and pressure applied to the sheet while the sheet is
passing between these rollers. The sheet that has passed through
the fix unit 311 is conveyed to a connection point 315 between the
printing apparatus 107 and the inserter, through a conveyance path
312. In this manner, a color image is formed (printed) on the
sheet.
[0053] When the fixing processing is further required depending on
the type of the sheet, the sheet that has passed through the fix
unit 311 is guided to a conveyance path 314 provided with a fix
unit 313. The fix unit 313 performs further fixing processing on
the sheet conveyed on the conveyance path 314. The sheet that has
passed through the fix unit 313 is conveyed to the connection point
315. When an operation mode for performing two-sided printing is
set, a sheet that has had an image printed on a first surface and
is conveyed on the conveyance path 312 or the conveyance path 314
is guided to a reversing path 316. The sheet reversed in the
reversing path 316 is guided to the two-sided conveyance path 317,
and is conveyed to the secondary transfer position 309. Thus, the
toner image is transferred to the second surface of the sheet
opposite to the first surface at the secondary transfer position
309. Then, when the sheet passes through the fix unit 311 (and the
fix unit 313), the formation of the color image on the second
surface of the sheet is completed.
[0054] The sheet that is conveyed to the connection point 315 after
the completion of the image forming (printing) by the printing
apparatus 107 is conveyed into the inserter 108. The inserter 108
includes an inserter tray 321 in which the insertion sheet is set.
The inserter 108 performs processing of inserting the insertion
sheet fed from the inserter tray 321, to a desired insertion
position in a series of sheet set conveyed from the printing
apparatus 107, to make the insertion sheet conveyed to the
apparatus on the later stage (verification apparatus 109). The
sheets that have passed through the inserter 108 are sequentially
conveyed to the verification apparatus 109.
[0055] The verification apparatus 109 includes cameras 331 and 332
forming the imaging unit 240a and cameras 334 and 335 forming the
imaging unit 240b, on a conveyance path 333 on which the sheet from
the inserter 108 is conveyed. The cameras 332 and 335 are arranged
in a position opposite to the cameras 331 and 334 with the
conveyance path 333 provided in between. The cameras 331 and 334
are configured to read the upper surface (first surface) of the
sheet. The cameras 332 and 335 are configured to read the lower
surface (second surface) of the sheet. The cameras 331, 332, 334,
and 335 may be formed by, for example, of a Contact Image Sensor
(CIS) or may be formed by a line scan camera instead of the
CIS.
[0056] The verification apparatus 109 performs the verification
processing of verifying an image printed on a sheet conveyed on the
conveyance path 333. Specifically, the verification apparatus 109
performs, at a timing when a sheet being conveyed reaches a
predetermined position, read processing of reading an image on the
sheet by using the imaging unit 240a (the cameras 331 and 332) and
the imaging unit 240b (the cameras 334 and 335). Furthermore, the
verification apparatus 109 verifies the image printed on the sheet
based on the image obtained by the read processing. In the present
embodiment, the verification apparatus 109 performs the
verification processing by comparing the read image obtained by
reading the image printed on the sheet, with a reference image
registered in advance. The sheets that have passed through the
verification apparatus 109 are sequentially conveyed to the
large-capacity stacker 110.
[0057] The large-capacity stacker 110 includes a stack tray 341
serving as a tray on which the sheets, conveyed from the apparatus
(verification apparatus 109) on the upstream side in the conveyance
direction of the sheet, are stacked. The sheets that have passed
through the verification apparatus 109 are conveyed on a conveyance
path 344 in the large-capacity stacker 110. The sheets conveyed on
the conveyance path 344 are guided to a conveyance path 345 and
stacked on the stack tray 341.
[0058] The large-capacity stacker 110 further includes an escape
tray 346 serving as a sheet discharge tray. In the present
embodiment, the escape tray 346 is used for discharging a sheet
which is determined to have abnormality in a printed image as a
result of the verification by the verification apparatus 109. The
sheets conveyed on the conveyance path 344 are guided to a
conveyance path 347 and conveyed to the escape tray 346. The sheet
conveyed without being stacked or discharged in the large-capacity
stacker 110 is conveyed to the finisher 111 on the later stage,
through a conveyance path 348.
[0059] The large-capacity stacker 110 further includes a reversing
unit 349 that reverses the orientation of the sheet conveyed. For
example, the reversing unit 349 is used for making the orientation
of the sheet input to the large-capacity stacker 110 to be
identical with the orientation in which the sheets are stacked on
the stack tray 341 and are output from the large-capacity stacker
110. The reversing unit 349 does not perform the reversing
operation on the sheet conveyed to the finisher 111 without being
stacked in large-capacity stacker 110.
[0060] The finisher 111 executes a finishing function designated by
the user, on the sheet that has been conveyed from the apparatus
(the verification apparatus 109) on the upstream side in the
conveyance direction of the sheet. In the present embodiment, the
finisher 111 has finishing functions such as, for example, a
stapling function (one or two points binding), a punching function
(two or three holes), and a saddle stitch bookbinding function.
[0061] The finisher 111 includes two sheet discharge trays 351 and
352. The sheet conveyed to the finisher 111, when the sheet is not
subjected to the finishing processing by the finisher 111, is
discharged to the sheet discharge tray 351 through a conveyance
path 353. The sheet conveyed to the finisher 111, when the sheet is
subjected to finishing processing such as stapling processing by
the finisher 111, is guided to a conveyance path 354. The finisher
111 uses a processing unit 355 to execute the finishing processing
designated by the user on the sheet conveyed on the conveyance path
354, and discharges the sheet onto a sheet discharge tray 352. The
sheet discharge trays 351 and 352 are each configured to be moved
upward and downward. The finisher 111 can operate to stack the
sheets, on which the finishing processing has been performed by the
processing unit 355, onto the sheet discharge tray 351, by moving
the sheet discharge tray 351 downward.
[0062] When the saddle stitch bookbinding processing is designated
by the user, the finisher 111 performs the stapling processing at
the center of the sheets using a saddle stitch processing unit 356,
and then folds the sheets in half to generate a bookbinding
product. The finisher 111 discharges the bookbinding product thus
generated, onto a book tray 358 through a conveyance path 357. The
book tray 358 has a belt conveyor configuration for conveying the
bookbinding product stacked on the book tray 358 to the outside of
the apparatus.
[0063] The registration processing for the reference image and the
verification processing on the sheet (printed sheet) on which an
image is printed, executed by the verification apparatus 109, will
be described more in detail below with reference to FIG. 4 to FIG.
8B.
[0064] <Example of Read Image and Reference Image>
[0065] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of read images obtained by the
imaging units 240a and 240b of the verification apparatus 109 of
the present embodiment and corresponding reference images. As
illustrated in FIG. 4, the imaging unit 240a is arranged to perform
reading in the region (read region 400a) on the left side relative
to the conveyance direction of a sheet 401. The imaging unit 240b
is arranged to perform reading in the region (read region 400b) on
the right side relative to the conveyance direction of the sheet
401. The imaging units 240a and 240b are arranged to have the read
region 400a and the read region 400b partially overlap in the
predetermined direction (width direction) orthogonal to the
conveyance direction of the sheet 401, as indicated by an overlap
region 402 in FIG. 4.
[0066] The imaging unit 240a reads a portion of the image, printed
on the sheet 401, passing through the read region 400a (an image
printed on the left side region of the sheet 401) to generate a
read image 403a. The imaging unit 240b reads a portion of the
image, printed on the sheet 401, passing through the read region
400b (an image printed on the right side region of the sheet 401)
to generate a read image 403b.
[0067] The verification apparatus 109 has a function of registering
an image, selected from the read images generated by the imaging
units 240a and 240b, as a reference image for verification in the
verification processing. In FIG. 4, a reference image 404a is an
example of a reference image corresponding to the imaging unit
240a, and a reference image 404b is an example of a reference image
corresponding to the imaging unit 240b. In the present embodiment,
as illustrated in FIG. 4, images with regions partially overlapping
with each other are registered respectively as the reference image
404a corresponding to the imaging unit 240a and the reference image
404b corresponding to the imaging unit 240b. In the registration
processing for the reference image, a single read image may be
registered as the reference image, or an image obtained through
superimposing or averaging processing on two or more selected read
images may be registered as the reference image.
[0068] In the verification processing, the CPU 238 acquires the
read images 403a and 403b by reading (capturing an image of) the
sheet 401 being conveyed, by the imaging units 240a and 240b. Then,
the CPU 238 compares the read images 403a and 403b respectively
with the reference images 404a and 404b, stored in the memory 239,
to perform verification on the image printed on the sheet.
[0069] <Example of Registration of Reference Image>
[0070] Based on the images obtained by the reading by the plurality
of imaging units 240a and 240b, the verification apparatus 109 of
the present embodiment registers reference images respectively
corresponding to the plurality of imaging units. The reference
image may also be registered based on the print data used for
printing the image on the sheet conveyed.
[0071] FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B respectively illustrate a selection
screen 500 and a registration screen 510 that are examples of
operation screens used for registering the reference image in the
verification apparatus 109. The selection screen 500 is an example
of an operation screen displayed on the display unit 241 to be used
for selecting the read image to be used as the reference image. The
selection screen 500 includes an image display portion 501 where a
thumbnail of the read image is displayed. An image obtained by
synthesizing the read image of the imaging unit 240a and the read
image of the imaging unit 240b is displayed as the read image on
the image display portion 501, to facilitate the recognition by the
user.
[0072] The user presses (touches) an image switch button 502 on the
selection screen 500 to move an image selection frame 503 and
presses an image selection button 504 to select the read image to
be used as the reference image. A selection cancel button 505 is a
button for deselecting the selected image. To advance the
processing to registration of the reference image upon completion
of the selection of the read image, the user presses a button 506.
Thus, the screen displayed on the display unit 241 transitions from
the selection screen 500 to the registration screen 510.
[0073] The registration screen 510 is an example of an operation
screen displayed on the display unit 241 to be used for registering
the reference image. The registration screen 510 includes an image
display portion 511 on which an image that is a candidate for the
reference image is displayed. When only a single read image is
selected on the selection screen 500, the selected image is
displayed in the image display portion 511. When two or more read
images are selected on the selection screen 500, an image obtained
through superimposing or averaging processing on the plurality of
selected read images is displayed in the image display portion
511.
[0074] The user can issue an instruction indicating that the image
displayed in the image display portion 511 is to be registered as
the reference image, by pressing (touching) a registration button
512 on the registration screen 510. A cancel button 513 is a button
for instructing cancellation of the registration of the reference
image. When the cancel is instructed using the cancel button 513,
the screen displayed on the display unit 241 returns to the
selection screen 500 from the registration screen 510.
[0075] <Example of Occurrence of Sheet Conveyance
Misalignment>
[0076] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a conveyance state of a
sheet conveyed in the verification apparatus 109. In FIG. 6, a
sheet 601 is an example of a sheet without conveyance misalignment,
and sheets 602 to 605 are examples of sheets under different types
of conveyance misalignment. In this example, the state without the
conveyance misalignment, as in the case of the sheet 601,
corresponds to a state where the center position of the sheet being
conveyed and the center position of the conveyance path 333 match
in the width direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction. The
state where the conveyance misalignment has occurred corresponds to
a state where a misalignment (deviation) from the position of the
sheet 601 has occurred.
[0077] The sheet 602 is an example of a sheet with leftward
conveyance misalignment relative to the conveyance direction, and
is being conveyed on the conveyance path 333 while being shifted
toward the left side. The sheet 603 is an example of a sheet with
rightward conveyance misalignment relative to the conveyance
direction, and is being conveyed on the conveyance path 333 while
being shifted toward the right side. The sheet 604 is an example of
a sheet with leftward conveyance misalignment and inclination
relative to the conveyance direction, and is being conveyed on the
conveyance path 333 while being shifted toward the left side. The
sheet 605 is an example of a sheet with rightward conveyance
misalignment and inclination relative to the conveyance direction,
and is being conveyed on the conveyance path 333 while being
shifted toward the right side.
[0078] In the example of FIG. 6, a maximum value 610a of the
leftward conveyance misalignment of the sheet corresponds to a
misalignment amount in the width direction when the position of the
sheet being conveyed is misaligned farthest toward the left side
(to the left side edge portion of the conveyance path 333) on the
conveyance path 333, as the position of the sheet 601 being a
reference position. A maximum value 610b of the rightward
conveyance misalignment of the sheet corresponds to a misalignment
amount in the width direction when the position of the sheet being
conveyed is misaligned farthest toward the right side (to the right
side edge portion of the conveyance path 333) on the conveyance
path 333, as the position of the sheet 601 being a reference
position. The maximum values 610a and 610b of the conveyance
misalignment are uniquely determined depending on the relative
positional relationship between the imaging units 240a and 240b and
the conveyance path 333, and the size of the sheet conveyed.
[0079] The possible maximum misalignment width in the width
direction, of the conveyance misalignment of the sheet being
conveyed on the conveyance path 333 in the verification apparatus
109 corresponds to the sum of the maximum value 610a of the
leftward conveyance misalignment and the maximum value 610b of the
rightward conveyance misalignment. In the present embodiment, the
length of the overlap region 402 between the read region 400a and
the read region 400b in the width direction is set to be equal to
or larger than the possible maximum misalignment width of the
conveyance misalignment of the sheet being conveyed in the
verification apparatus 109. Thus, the imaging unit 240a and the
imaging unit 240b are arranged to satisfy the condition (length of
overlap region 402.gtoreq.maximum misalignment width of sheet
conveyance misalignment) in the width direction of the sheet.
[0080] With this configuration, the entire region on the sheet can
be read using both of the imaging unit 240a and the imaging unit
240b, even when the conveyance misalignment in any of the leftward
rightward directions of the sheet being conveyed occurs. As a
result, verification of the printed image can be performed over the
entire region on the sheet being conveyed.
[0081] <Sheet Verification Processing>
[0082] In the verification processing, the verification apparatus
109 acquires the read images by reading the image on the sheet
using the imaging units 240a and 240b. In this case, when the
conveyance misalignment as illustrated in FIG. 6 occurs, the size
of the portion of the sheet being conveyed passing through the read
region 400a changes. As a result, the size of the read image
corresponding to the sheet portion passed through the read region
400a obtained through the reading by the imaging unit 240a may
change to a size different from the size of the reference image for
verification. The same applies to the read image obtained by the
imaging unit 240b. When the sizes of the read images obtained using
the imaging units 240a and 240b differ from the size of the
reference image registered in advance, the verification on the
sheet may fail to be performed.
[0083] In the present embodiment, the sheet that is the
verification target can be verified even when the conveyance
misalignment of the sheet occurs as described above. This is
achieved by changing the size of one of the read image and the
reference image to match that of the other one, and then comparing
the images. FIG. 7 is illustrating an example of verification
processing on a sheet conveyed in the verification apparatus 109.
As illustrated in FIG. 7, the verification processing of the
present embodiment is described below using, as an example, a case
where a sheet 703 that is the verification target is under leftward
conveyance misalignment relative to the conveyance direction (thus,
the sheet 703 is being conveyed while being shifted toward the left
side on the conveyance path 333).
[0084] In FIG. 7, a sheet 701 is an example of a sheet with no
conveyance misalignment. Reference images 702a and 702b are
reference images respectively corresponding to the imaging units
240a and 240b. The reference images 702a and 702b are reference
images registered in advance, based on read images obtained by
reading the sheet 701 without the conveyance misalignment using the
imaging unit 240a and the imaging unit 240b. In the verification
processing of the present embodiment, the following processing is
performed using each of the imaging unit 240a and the imaging unit
240b.
[0085] --Processing Using Imaging Unit 240a
[0086] The CPU 238 acquires a read image 704a by controlling the
imaging unit 240a to read the sheet 703, conveyed to the
verification apparatus 109, in the read region 400a. At this time,
the CPU 238 extracts (crops) an image corresponding to the sheet
portion passing through the read region 400a from the read image
corresponding to the entire read region 400a, by detecting the edge
portion of the sheet 703 through edge detection processing. The CPU
238 stores the image thus extracted as the read image 704a
corresponding to the imaging unit 240a.
[0087] Next, the CPU 238 performs comparison processing of
comparing the width direction sizes of the read image 704a thus
acquired and the reference image 702a stored in the memory 239. As
described above, the reference image 702a is registered in advance
as the reference image corresponding to the imaging unit 240a. The
CPU 238 performs size change processing of changing the size of the
one of the read image 704a corresponding to the imaging unit 240a
and the reference image 702a determined to be larger as a result of
the comparison processing, to match the size of the smaller one.
Thus, the size of the read image 704a and the size of the reference
image 702a are equalized.
[0088] In the example of FIG. 7, the size change processing is
performed on the read image 704a having a larger width direction
size than the reference image 702a, whereby a read image 714a after
the size change is acquired. In this size change processing,
extraction (cropping) is performed on the read image 704a that is
the processing target in accordance with the size of the reference
image 702a, with an edge portion (left edge), of the two edge
portions of the read image 704a along the conveyance direction of
the sheet, being a reference, where the edge portion (left edge) is
corresponding to the edge portion of the sheet 703. Specifically, a
region of the same width direction size as the reference image 702a
is cropped from the read image 704a with the left edge of the read
image as the reference point, whereby the read image 714a after the
size change is acquired.
[0089] Furthermore, the CPU 238 verifies the read image by
comparing the read image 714a after the size change with the
corresponding reference image 702a. The CPU 238 stores the result
of the verification in the memory 239, as the result of processing
using the imaging unit 240a.
[0090] --Processing Using Imaging Unit 240b
[0091] The processing using the imaging unit 240b is similar to the
processing using the imaging unit 240a, and is performed as
follows. The CPU 238 acquires a read image 704b by controlling the
imaging unit 240b to read the sheet 703, conveyed to the
verification apparatus 109, in the read region 400b. At this time,
the CPU 238 extracts (crops) an image corresponding to the sheet
portion passing through the read region 400b from the read image
corresponding to the entire read region 400b, by detecting the edge
portion of the sheet 703 through edge detection processing. The CPU
238 stores the image thus extracted as the read image 704b
corresponding to the imaging unit 240b.
[0092] Next, the CPU 238 performs comparison processing of
comparing the width direction sizes of the read image 704b thus
acquired and the reference image 702b stored in the memory 239. As
described above, the reference image 702b is registered in advance
as the reference image corresponding to the imaging unit 240b. The
CPU 238 performs size change processing of changing the size of the
one of the read image 704b corresponding to the imaging unit 240b
and the reference image 702b determined to be larger as a result of
the comparison processing, to match the size of the smaller one.
Thus, the size of the read image 704b and the size of the reference
image 702b are equalized.
[0093] In the example of FIG. 7, the size change processing is
performed on the reference image 702b having a larger width
direction size than the read image 704b, whereby a reference image
712b after the size change is acquired. In this size change
processing, extraction (cropping) is performed on the reference
image 702b that is the processing target in accordance with the
size of the read image 704b, with an edge portion (right edge), of
the two edge portions of the reference image 702b along the
conveyance direction of the sheet, being a reference point, where
the edge portion (right edge) is corresponding to the edge portion
of the sheet 703 serving. Specifically, a region of the same width
direction size as the read image 704b is cropped from the reference
image 702b with the right edge of the reference image as the
reference point, whereby the reference image 712b after the size
change is acquired.
[0094] Furthermore, the CPU 238 verifies the read image by
comparing the read image 704b with the corresponding reference
image 712b after the size change. The CPU 238 stores the result of
the verification in the memory 239, as the result of processing
using the imaging unit 240b.
[0095] --Acquisition of Verification Result
[0096] The CPU 238 acquires the final verification result for the
conveyed sheet, based on the result of the verification using the
imaging unit 240a and the result of the verification using the
imaging unit 240b. Specifically, the CPU 238 determines that the
image printed on the sheet is normal (the image has no defect) when
the read image obtained by the imaging unit 240a and the image
obtained by the imaging unit 240b are both normal. On the other
hand, the CPU 238 determines that the image printed on the sheet is
abnormal (the image has a defect) when at least one of the read
image obtained by the imaging unit 240a and the image obtained by
the imaging unit 240b is abnormal. The CPU 238 acquires a result of
such determination, as the verification result for the sheet.
[0097] In the present embodiment, as described above with reference
to FIG. 6, the size (length), in the width direction, of the
overlap region 402 where the read region 400a and the read region
400b overlap is set to be equal to or larger than the possible
maximum misalignment width of the conveyance misalignment of the
sheet conveyed. Thus, the region to be excluded from the reference
image in the size change processing (for example, the region
excluded from the reference image 702b for the change to the
reference image 712b) corresponds to a part of the overlap region
402. The region excluded from the reference image corresponding to
one of the imaging units 240a and 240b is a target of the
verification using the other one of the imaging units. Thus, with
the configuration of the verification apparatus 109 according to
the present embodiment, by using both the imaging unit 240a and the
imaging unit 240b, the verification processing can be performed on
the entire region of the sheet conveyed to be the target.
[0098] When inclination relative to the conveyance direction of the
sheet occurs as in the cases of the sheets 604 and 605 illustrated
in FIG. 6, correction processing of correcting such an inclination
is performed on the read images respectively obtained by the
imaging units 240a and 240b. For example, rotation correction may
be performed on the read image to make the edge portion of the
sheet along the conveyance direction, detected in the read image by
the edge detection processing, become parallel with the conveyance
direction. Alternatively, the rotation correction may be performed
on the read image to make the edge portion of the sheet along the
width direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the sheet
become parallel to the width direction. Then, using the read image
after the rotation correction and the reference image, the
verification described above is performed.
[0099] <Processing Procedure>
[0100] FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B are flowcharts illustrating a procedure
of the verification processing by the verification apparatus 109 of
the present embodiment. Processing in each step illustrated in the
figures is implemented when the CPU 238 executes the control
program stored in the memory 239.
[0101] When a print job starts to be executed in response to a user
operation, the CPU 238 starts the processing of the procedure in
FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B. First of all, in step S101, the CPU 238
determines whether the sheet has been conveyed to the verification
apparatus 109. When the sheet is detected by a sensor (not
illustrated) arranged in the conveyance path 333, the CPU 238
determines that the sheet has been conveyed, and advances the
processing to step S102.
[0102] In step S102, the CPU 238 controls the imaging unit 240a to
capture an image of the conveyed sheet, to read an image printed on
the sheet. As described above, by using the imaging unit 240a, an
image printed in the left side region of the sheet is read. The CPU
238 stores the read image obtained by the reading in the memory
239, and advances the processing to step S103.
[0103] In step S103, the CPU 238 performs the comparison processing
for comparison, in the width direction size, between the read image
obtained in step S102 and the corresponding reference image stored
in the memory 239. Before executing this comparison processing, the
CPU 238 acquires the read image corresponding to the sheet portion
from the read image corresponding to the entire read region 400a,
by detecting the edge portion of the sheet through the edge
detection processing. Upon detecting the inclination of the
conveyed sheet as described above as a result of the detecting the
edge portion of the sheet, the CPU 238 may perform rotation
correction on the read image to correct such inclination. The CPU
238 advances the processing to step S104 when the result of the
comparison processing in step S103 indicates that the size of the
read image in the width direction of the sheet is equal to or
larger than the size of the reference image, and otherwise advances
the processing to step S105.
[0104] In step S104, the CPU 238 performs the change processing to
change the size of the read image. As described with reference to
FIG. 7, the CPU 238 changes the size of the read image, by cropping
the region of the same size as the reference image and excludes the
remaining region (region on the right edge side), with the left
edge of the read image being the reference point, in the width
direction of the sheet. The region excluded from the read image
corresponds to a region unnecessarily read by the imaging unit 240a
due to the conveyance misalignment of the sheet. The CPU 238 stores
the read image, after the size change, in the memory 239.
[0105] On the other hand, in step S105, the CPU 238 performs the
change processing to change the size of the reference image. As
described with reference to FIG. 7, the CPU 238 changes the size of
the reference image, by cropping the region of the same size as the
read image and excluding the remaining region (region on the right
edge side), with the left edge of the reference image being the
reference point, in the width direction of the sheet. The region
excluded from the reference image corresponds to a region failed to
be read by the imaging unit 240a (a region that has not passed
through the read region 400a) due to the conveyance misalignment of
the sheet. The CPU 238 stores the reference image, after the size
change, in the memory 239.
[0106] Upon completing the size change processing on the read image
or the reference image, the CPU 238 advances the processing to step
S106 from step S104 or S105. In step S106, the CPU 238 verifies the
read image by comparing the read image after the size change with
the corresponding reference image. The CPU 238 stores the
verification result in the memory 239. This verification is for
verifying whether the read image obtained by the imaging unit 240a
is normal (the read image has no defect), based on the result of
the comparison between the read image and the reference image. When
the verification on the read image is completed, the CPU 238
advances the processing to step S107.
[0107] In steps S107 to S111, the CPU 238 performs processing
similar to that in steps S102 to S106, for the imaging unit
240b.
[0108] In step S107, the CPU 238 controls the imaging unit 240b to
capture an image of the conveyed sheet, to read an image printed on
the sheet. As described above, by using the imaging unit 240b, an
image printed in the right side region of the sheet is read. The
CPU 238 stores the read image obtained by the reading in the memory
239, and advances the processing to step S108.
[0109] In step S108, the CPU 238 performs the comparison processing
for comparison, in the width direction size, between the read image
obtained in step S107 and the corresponding reference image stored
in the memory 239, as in step S103. The CPU 238 advances the
processing to step S109 when the result of the comparison
processing indicates that the size of the read image in the width
direction of the sheet is equal to or larger than the size of the
reference image, and otherwise advances the processing to step
S110.
[0110] In step S109, the CPU 238 performs the change processing to
change the size of the read image. Specifically, the CPU 238
changes the size of the read image, by cropping the region of the
same size as the reference image and excluding the remaining region
(region on the left edge side), with the right edge of the read
image being the reference point, in the width direction of the
sheet. On the other hand, in step S110, the CPU 238 performs the
change processing to change the size of the reference image.
Specifically, the CPU 238 changes the size of the reference image,
by cropping the region of the same size as the read image and
excluding the remaining region (region on the left edge side), with
the right edge of the reference image being the reference point, in
the width direction of the sheet.
[0111] As described above, in the present embodiment, the CPU 238
compares the sizes in the predetermined direction (width direction)
of the read images, obtained by reading an image on the sheet
respectively by the imaging units 240a and 240b, with the size in
the predetermined direction (width direction) of the corresponding
reference image. When the width direction size of the read image is
larger than the width direction size of the reference image, the
CPU 238 changes the width direction size of the read image to the
equal width direction size of the reference image. On the other
hand, when the width direction size of the reference image is
larger than the width direction size of the read image, the CPU 238
changes the width direction size of the reference image to the
equal width direction size of the read image.
[0112] Upon completing the size change processing on the read image
or the reference image, the CPU 238 advances the processing to step
S111 from step S109 or S110. In step S111, the CPU 238 verifies the
read image by comparing the read image after the size change with
the corresponding reference image. The CPU 238 stores the
verification result in the memory 239, and advances the processing
to step S112.
[0113] In step S112, the CPU 238 determines whether the image on
the printed sheet is normal, based on the verification result
obtained in steps S106 and S111. The CPU 238 determines that the
image on the printed sheet is normal (the image has no defect) when
the read image obtained by the imaging unit 240a and the image
obtained by the imaging unit 240b are both normal, and advances the
processing to step S113. On the other hand, the CPU 238 determines
that the image on the printed sheet is abnormal (the image has a
defect) when at least one of the read image obtained by the imaging
unit 240a and the image obtained by the imaging unit 240b is
abnormal, and advances the processing to step S115.
[0114] In this manner, the CPU 238 determines whether the read
image corresponding to each of the plurality of imaging units 240a
and 240b is normal, and determines that the image printed on the
sheet is normal (image has no defect) if both read images are
normal. On the other hand, the CPU 238 determines that the image
printed on the sheet is abnormal (image has a defect) if any of the
read images is abnormal.
[0115] In step S113, the CPU 238 displays the verification result
indicating that the image on the printed sheet is normal, on the
display unit 241 of the verification apparatus 109. In step S114,
the CPU 238 instructs the printing apparatus 107 to discharge the
printed sheet on which the verification processing has been
performed, onto the stack tray 341 of the large-capacity stacker
110, and advances the processing to step S117. In this case, the
printing apparatus 107 instructs the large-capacity stacker 110 to
discharge the conveyed printed sheet onto the stack tray 341, based
on the instruction from the verification apparatus 109.
[0116] On the other hand, in step S115, the CPU 238 displays the
verification result indicating that the image on the printed sheet
is abnormal (the image has a defect), on the display unit 241 of
the verification apparatus 109. In step S116, the CPU 238 instructs
the printing apparatus 107 to discharge the printed sheet onto the
escape tray 346 of the large-capacity stacker 110, and advances the
processing to step S117. In this case, the printing apparatus 107
instructs the large-capacity stacker 110 to discharge the conveyed
printed sheet onto the escape tray 346, based on the instruction
from the verification apparatus 109.
[0117] In this manner, the CPU 238 performs discharge control to
discharge the sheet determined to be normal and the sheet
determined to be abnormal, as a result of the verification on the
image printed on the sheet, to respective discharge destinations
different from each other.
[0118] In step S117, the CPU 238 determines whether the output of
all the pages that are the print target of the print job has been
completed. When the output of all the pages has not been completed
yet, the CPU 238 returns the processing to step S101, and performs
the verification processing on the next sheet conveyed. On the
other hand, when the output of all the pages has been completed
(when the verification processing on the sheet on which the image
of the final page is printed has been completed), the CPU 238
terminates the verification processing through the procedure in
FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B.
[0119] In the procedure in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, when the size of
the read image and the size of the reference image are equal in
step S103 or S108, the processing may be advanced to step S106 or
S111, and the image size change processing thereafter may be
omitted. The processing for the read image obtained by the imaging
unit 240a (steps S102 to S106) and the processing for the read
image obtained by the imaging unit 240b (steps S107 to S111), which
are executed in this order in the procedure in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B,
may be executed in the reverse order or may be executed in
parallel.
[0120] As described above, the verification apparatus 109 of the
present embodiment includes a plurality of imaging units (the
imaging units 240a and 240b) configured to perform reading in
different read regions in a predetermined direction (width
direction) orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the sheet. The
read regions corresponding to the imaging units 240a and 240b
adjacent to each other partially overlap with each other. The
verification apparatus 109 uses the plurality of imaging units to
read an image on a sheet conveyed. The verification apparatus 109
performs processing of changing the size, in a predetermined
direction (width direction), of larger one of the read image
obtained by each of the plurality of imaging units by reading the
image on the sheet and the corresponding reference image, to match
the size of the smaller one. The verification apparatus 109 further
performs the verification by comparing the read image corresponding
to each of the plurality of imaging units after the image size
change processing with the corresponding reference image.
[0121] As described above, in the present embodiment with the
configuration where the read regions corresponding to the adjacent
imaging units partially overlap with each other, the verification
on the read image is performed with the size of one of the read
image corresponding to each of the imaging units and the
corresponding reference image being adjusted so that the images
have the coordinated size. Thus, the sheet that is the verification
target can be verified even when the conveyance misalignment of the
sheet occurs. Furthermore, the verification precision can be
prevented from being degraded by the conveyance misalignment.
[0122] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the plurality of
imaging units 240a and 240b are arranged to make the size, in the
predetermined direction, of the overlap region 402, where the read
regions corresponding to the plurality of imaging units overlap,
become equal to or larger than the maximum misalignment width in
the predetermined direction in a case where the conveyance
misalignment of the sheet conveyed on the conveyance path 333
occurs. This configuration more effectively guarantees that the
image printed on a sheet that is the verification target can be
entirely verified, even when the conveyance misalignment of the
sheet occurs.
[0123] The present embodiment can also be modified as follows.
Specifically, the verification apparatus 109 identifies the size of
one of the read image obtained by reading the image on the sheet by
each of the plurality of imaging units 240a and 240b and the
corresponding reference image, having a smaller size in the
predetermined direction (width direction). Furthermore, the
verification apparatus 109 compares a read image corresponding to
each of the plurality of imaging units 240a and 240b and the
corresponding reference image, about the region of the identified
size in the predetermined direction (width direction), to verify
the read image. In this manner, instead of performing the image
size change processing, the region for comparing the images (the
size of the region) may be identified to match the size of one of
the read image and the corresponding reference image having a
smaller size in the predetermined direction (width direction), and
the images may be compared about the identified region. Also with
performing such processing, an effect similar to that described
above can be obtained.
Second Embodiment
[0124] In the first embodiment, images with regions partially
overlapping with each other are used as the reference images
respectively corresponding to the imaging units 240a and 240b
adjacent to each other. In the second embodiment on the other hand,
a description will be given on an example of a configuration of
performing the verification processing on a sheet using images
without such an overlap region as the reference image. In the
following, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly
described.
[0125] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of read images obtained by the
imaging units 240a and 240b of the verification apparatus 109 of
the present embodiment and corresponding reference images. As in
the first embodiment, the imaging units 240a and 240b are arranged
to perform the reading respectively in the read regions 400a and
400b. The imaging units 240a and 240b are arranged to make the read
region 400a and the read region 400b partially overlap in the
overlap region 402. In the present embodiment, a boundary line 911,
which will be described later, is set in the overlap region
402.
[0126] As in the first embodiment, the imaging unit 240a reads a
portion of an image, printed on a sheet 901, passing through the
read region 400a (an image printed on the left side region of the
sheet 901) to generate a read image 902a. As in the first
embodiment, the imaging unit 240b reads a portion of the image,
printed on the sheet 901, passing through the read region 400b (an
image printed on the right side region of the sheet 901) to
generate a read image 902b.
[0127] A reference image 903a is an example of a reference image
corresponding to the imaging unit 240a, and a reference image 903b
is an example of a reference image corresponding to the imaging
unit 240b. In the present embodiment, images obtained by splitting
the image on the sheet 901 at the boundary line 911 are registered
as the reference image 903a corresponding to the imaging unit 240a
and the reference image 903b corresponding to the imaging unit
240b, as illustrated in FIG. 9. Thus, the reference images 903a and
903b include no overlap region, which are different from the
reference images 404a and 404b illustrated as an example in FIG. 4
in the first embodiment. The sum of the size of the reference image
903a and the size of the reference image 903b matches the size of
the image printed on the sheet 901.
[0128] Specifically, the reference image 903a is an image obtained
by cropping (extracting), in the read image 902a, a region between
an edge portion of a sheet portion (the edge portion of the image
printed on the sheet 901) and the boundary line 911 along the
conveyance direction of the sheet 901. The reference image 903b is
an image obtained by cropping, in the read image 902b, a region
between an edge portion of a sheet portion (the edge portion of the
image printed on the sheet 901) and the boundary line 911 along the
conveyance direction of the sheet 901.
[0129] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the overlap region 402 is split
into a region 910a corresponding to the imaging unit 240a and a
region 910b corresponding to the imaging unit 240b in a
predetermined direction (width direction of the sheet). The
boundary line 911 between the region 910a and the region 910b is
set to be at a position with which the size, in the predetermined
direction (the width direction of the sheet), of the region 910a is
equal to or larger than the maximum value (equal to or larger than
the maximum value 610a) of the conveyance misalignment of the sheet
toward the side of the imaging unit 240a (left direction) and the
size of the region 910b is equal to or larger than the maximum
value (equal to or larger than the maximum value 610b) of the
conveyance misalignment of the sheet toward the side of the imaging
unit 240b (right direction). As illustrated in FIG. 9, the
reference image 903a corresponding to the imaging unit 240a is
configured to include a region corresponding to the region 910a.
The reference image 903b corresponding to the imaging unit 240b is
configured to include a region corresponding to the region 910b.
Thus, even when the conveyance misalignment of the sheet occurs,
the size of the read images 902a and 902b in the width direction
can be maintained to be equal to or larger than those of the
reference images 903a and 903b, whereby the size change processing
for the read image in steps S203 and S216 in FIG. 10 described
later can be implemented.
[0130] As in the first embodiment, the registration of the
reference images 903a and 903b may be performed based on the read
images obtained by reading the sheet 701 (without the conveyance
misalignment) using the imaging units 240a and 240b. An image
obtained by processing of superimposing or averaging two or more
selected read images, may be registered as the reference image.
[0131] In the verification processing, the CPU 238 acquires the
read images 902a and 902b by reading (capturing an image of) the
sheet 901 being conveyed, by the imaging units 240a and 240b. Then,
the CPU 238 compares the read images 902a and 902b respectively
with the reference images 903a and 903b, stored in the memory 239,
to perform verification on the image printed on the sheet.
[0132] <Processing Procedure>
[0133] FIG. 10 and FIG. 8B are flowcharts illustrating a procedure
of the verification processing by the verification apparatus 109 of
the present embodiment. Processing in each step illustrated in the
figures is implemented when the CPU 238 executes the control
program stored in the memory 239.
[0134] When a print job starts to be executed in response to a user
operation, the CPU 238 starts the processing of the procedure in
FIG. 10 and FIG. 8B. First of all, upon determining that a sheet
has been conveyed to the verification apparatus 109 in step S201,
the CPU 238 advances the processing to step S202, as in step S101.
In step S202, the CPU 238 controls the imaging unit 240a to capture
an image of the conveyed sheet, to read an image printed on the
sheet, as in step S102, and then advances the processing to step
S203.
[0135] In the present embodiment, as described above, the size of
the read image obtained by each of the imaging units 240a and 240b
is equal to or larger than the size of the corresponding reference
image. Thus, in step S203, the CPU 238 performs change processing
of changing the size of the read image through processing similar
to that in step S104. Specifically, the CPU 238 changes the size of
the read image, by cropping the region of the same size as the
reference image and excluding the remaining region (region on the
right edge side), with the left edge of the read image being the
reference point, in the width direction of the sheet. The CPU 238
stores the read image, after the size change, in the memory
239.
[0136] Then in step S204, the CPU 238 verifies the read image
through processing similar to that in step S106, that is, by
comparing the read image after the size change with the
corresponding reference image, and stores the result of the
verification in the memory 239. When the verification on the read
image is completed, the CPU 238 advances the processing to step
S205.
[0137] In steps S205 to S207, CPU 238 performs processing similar
to those in steps S202 to S204, for the imaging unit 240b.
[0138] In S205, the CPU 238 controls the imaging unit 240b to
capture an image of the conveyed sheet, to read an image printed on
the sheet, as in step S107, and then advances the processing to
step S206. In step S206, the CPU 238 performs change processing of
changing the size of the read image through processing similar to
that in step S109. Specifically, the CPU 238 changes the size of
the read image, by cropping the region of the same size as the
reference image and excluding the remaining region (region on the
left edge side), with the right edge of the read image being the
reference point, in the width direction of the sheet. The CPU 238
stores the read image, after the size change, in the memory
239.
[0139] As described above, in the present embodiment, the CPU 238
changes the sizes of the read images, obtained by reading an image
on the sheet respectively by the imaging units 240a and 240b, to
the equal size of the corresponding reference image in the
predetermined direction (width direction).
[0140] Then in step S207, the CPU 238 verifies the read image
through processing similar to that in step S111, that is, by
comparing the read image after the size change with the
corresponding reference image, and stores the result of the
verification in the memory 239. When the verification on the read
image is completed, the CPU 238 advances the processing to step
S112 (FIG. 8B).
[0141] In steps S112 to S117, the CPU 238 performs processing that
is similar to that in the first embodiment. When the output of all
the pages has not been completed yet in step S117, the CPU 238
returns the processing to step S201 (FIG. 10), and performs the
verification processing on the next sheet conveyed.
[0142] As described above, in the present embodiment, images with
regions not overlapping with each other are used as the reference
images corresponding to the imaging units 240a and 240b adjacent to
each other. Thus, the region of the image that is the target of the
verification in the verification processing can be reduced, whereby
a load of the verification processing can be reduced. Furthermore,
the size of the read image in the width direction can be maintained
to be equal to or larger than that of the reference image, meaning
that the processing of comparing the size of the read image and the
size of the reference image is not required. Thus, the load of the
verification processing can be reduced. Furthermore, the reference
image can be downsized, whereby the memory capacity of the
verification apparatus 109 required for storing the reference image
can be reduced.
Other Embodiments
[0143] The embodiments described above are each merely an
embodiment of the present invention, and the embodiments may be
combined as appropriate.
[0144] Embodiment(s) of the present invention can also be realized
by a computer of a system or apparatus that reads out and executes
computer executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs)
recorded on a storage medium (which may also be referred to more
fully as a `non-transitory computer-readable storage medium`) to
perform the functions of one or more of the above-described
embodiment(s) and/or that includes one or more circuits (e.g.,
application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) for performing the
functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s), and
by a method performed by the computer of the system or apparatus
by, for example, reading out and executing the computer executable
instructions from the storage medium to perform the functions of
one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and/or controlling
the one or more circuits to perform the functions of one or more of
the above-described embodiment(s). The computer may comprise one or
more processors (e.g., central processing unit (CPU), micro
processing unit (MPU)) and may include a network of separate
computers or separate processors to read out and execute the
computer executable instructions. The computer executable
instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a
network or the storage medium. The storage medium may include, for
example, one or more of a hard disk, a random-access memory (RAM),
a read only memory (ROM), a storage of distributed computing
systems, an optical disk (such as a compact disc (CD), digital
versatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD).TM.), a flash memory
device, a memory card, and the like.
[0145] While the present invention has been described with
reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.
The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest
interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and
equivalent structures and functions.
[0146] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent
Application No. 2021-018516, filed Feb. 8, 2021 which is hereby
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
* * * * *